Plans for Tebay-style services on M56 fuel mixed reactions

The proposal to build Tatton Services between junctions 7 and 8 on the M56 was submitted to Cheshire East Council in March and has attracted a lot of feedback.

The concept is based on the successful Tebay Services on the M6 which champions home grown food, crafts and clothes.

The Westmorland family has a strong track record of nurturing local producers and has teamed up with the Tatton Estate to bring their model to Cheshire.

The Westmorland family works closely with local producers (Image: Tatton Services)

The development has won praise for showcasing local growers and suppliers, supporting the economy and creating hundreds of new jobs.

However, residents have slammed it as ‘an environmental disaster’ due to the loss of ‘previous greenbelt’ and increase in noise, pollution and traffic.

Businesses fear it could threaten neighbouring shopping centres and believe existing service stations already provide sufficient facilities for drivers.

Tatton Services plans include a 100-bedroom hotel arranged around a kitchen garden where travellers can relax (Image: Tatton Services)

The National Trust and Historic England support the application.

A spokesman for The National Trust said: “We consider that the proposed development is well designed and welcome the approach to sustainable building design, biodiversity net gain and the stated intention to work with the trust and other parties in the development of a sustainable transport network.

“We note the intention to focus upon local suppliers and employment and we welcome this.”

The development will have a fuel barn with 54 electric vehicle charge points (Image: Tatton Services)

Cheshire Business Leaders are in favour of the proposal, saying ‘its engineering and design was sympathetic to the local environment’.

They believe the development ‘would provide significant local employment’ and ‘enhance the attractiveness of Cheshire nationally’.

Cheshire Country Lane and Business Association welcomed the creation of 325 jobs.

A spokesman said: “Tatton Services will provide essential economic oxygen to the area when boosting economic prosperity is vital.

The kitchen will serve freshly cooked food, made from scratch, as it would be at home (Image: Tatton Services)

“Schools will have a better understanding of the ‘farm to fork’ ethos.”

Cllr Charlotte Leach, who represents Mobberley, said: “This development would create new jobs, support local businesses and deliver real economic and social benefits to the area.”

One resident said: “I am a great admirer of the Tebay ethos. They only use local suppliers ranging from the food they sell and serve to the interiors of their hotel.

The kitchen at the Westmorland family's Gloucester Services (Image: Tatton Services)

“I have visited three of their motorway developments and wish that all service stations were so thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind.”

However, Moto Hospitality, which owns and operates Knutsford Services, claims the new development is too close to their facility on the M6 and Lymm Services on the M56/M6.

Their objection states: “Tatton would not fulfil any significant gaps in provision.”

High Legh Primary School is worried about the increase in traffic and air pollution, which they fear ‘would further damage the health of residents and schoolchildren’.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust object to the plans and says there is insufficient evidence to support the biodiversity net gain assessment calculated by the applicant.

High Legh Parish Council is concerned about the ‘very considerable loss of green belt land Their objection states: “We feel this development would create a destination in its own right and not be solely a stop for motorway users to fuel and rest.

“This would have a detrimental impact on traffic.”

Incensed residents are worried about the impact the development could have on the local community.

One objector said: “This will be an environmental disaster and will increase the urbanisation of Altrincham.”

Another resident added: “The huge rise in traffic would make the surrounding area very dangerous to travel around whilst the pollution and damage to natural habitats would be enormous.”

Another objector said: “I am not a political or drum-banging person but I know when something feels wrong and this planned development seems to be to be a pure example of commercialism and profit over common sense.

“Millions have been pumped into the regeneration of Altrincham and it’s working. So why now drag trade and workers out of town again.”

One resident said: “Cheshire was known for its lovely green belt.

“Everywhere you look there’s factories being built along the M56.”

A date has not yet been set for a decision.